Airlander escapes mooring and undergoes emergency deflation

(Credit: Beds, Cambs & Herts Roads Policing Unit via Twitter)

The airship - which just a day earlier had embarked on a new phase of testing - has an onboard safety system that rips open the hull automatically to deflate the vessel in such circumstances. Airlander is now deflated and secure on the side of the Cardington airfield where it is based, with its fuel and helium made safe. According to Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) – the company behind Airlander - two members of its staff sustained minor injuries during the incident. Some local roads and a footpath were also temporarily closed by Bedfordshire Police.

“A member of HAV staff sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital for assessment as a precaution,” read a company statement. “She has since been discharged. A separate member of staff also sustained minor injuries while dealing with the aftermath of the incident.”